Visual Arts Submission Guidelines
Photo by Hatice Baran
At Kalimah, we embrace creative expressions that inspire, uplift, and reflect the experiences, spirituality, and creativity of Muslim women. We welcome submissions across various forms of visual arts, including but not limited to:
- Photography
- Paintings (digital or scanned traditional)
- Illustrations
- Digital art
- Calligraphy
- Collages
- Mixed media artworks
- Short films or video art
Islamic Guidelines
At Kalimah, we ensure that all submissions respect Islamic principles. Please adhere to the following:
- Content Respecting Modesty: Avoid depictions of uncovered awrah, provocative imagery, or themes that contradict Islamic values.
- No Depictions of Prophets or Sahaba: This includes facial representations or anything that might be seen as disrespectful.
- Film-Specific: Films should respect modesty in dress, dialogue, and themes. If your film includes backing tracks, they should adhere to Islamic guidelines. Consider using alternatives to music such as nasheeds, vocals-only tracks, or natural soundscapes instead of instrumental music.
Additional Guidelines
Copyright and Originality
- Submissions must be original and created solely by the submitting artist or filmmaker. Plagiarised works or unauthorised use of copyrighted material will not be accepted.
- For collaborative projects (e.g., films or mixed media), ensure all contributors are credited and permissions are obtained.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
For films, consider providing closed captions or subtitles to make your work accessible to a broader audience.
For Emerging Artists
Kalimah is a platform for both established and emerging artists. If you are a first-time contributor, we encourage you to take the leap and submit your work. We welcome raw, unpolished creativity alongside more refined works.
Technical Submission Requirements
For Visual Arts Submissions:
- File Formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF
- Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for quality display.
- File Size: Files should not exceed 10 MB. Larger files can be shared via Google Drive or Dropbox.
- File Naming: ArtistName_TitleOfWork_KalimahSubmission
For Film Submissions:
- Accepted Formats: MP4 or MOV
- Length: Short films should not exceed 5 minutes.
- Resolution: Minimum 720p, though 1080p is preferred.
- File Size: Files should not exceed 100 MB. Larger files can be shared via Google Drive or Dropbox.
- File Naming: DirectorName_FilmTitle_KalimahSubmission
How to Submit
Use the form below or email your submission to submissions@kalimah.uk with the subject line “Visual Arts Submission – [Your Name]” and include:
- A brief artist’s or filmmaker’s statement (maximum 200 words) describing your work, its inspiration, and how it relates to Kalimah’s themes.
- The title of the artwork or film and the medium used.
- Your full name and contact details.
- For films: Include a synopsis (50-100 words) and any relevant credits.
Copyright and Usage
By submitting your work, you affirm that:
- The submission is your original creation.
- You grant Kalimah permission to display your work on our website and social media platforms.
- You retain full copyright of your artwork or film and can request its removal at any time.
Response Time
We aim to respond to all submissions within 4-6 weeks. If you do not hear from us within this time, please feel free to follow up.
We can’t wait to see how you reflect your journey, identity, and spirituality through your creative lens. Kalimah is a space for your voice, your perspective, and your artistry.